The Saturday sessions are 4 hours each and professional development credit will be given. Participants are then encouraged to lead a similar outdoor experience with their students either at the field center free of charge or on school grounds. Those who participate in at least one training, lead their class session and provide written feedback will be invited to a free educational overnight experience at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center in Barnegat Bay scheduled June 22-23, 2007 (rain or shine). SPACE IS LIMITED!

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Bring your lunch if staying for the AM and PM sessions. Each session fee is $20, $15 for Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education (ANJEE) members or for two or more sessions. You must show proof of ANJEE membership. Make check payable to: ANJEE. For information or to register contact Liz Jackson at 908-637-4125 or e-mail ejackson@dep.state.nj.us.

COURSE OFFERINGS

April 28 - 8:30 am & 1:00 pm
Homing in on Habitat - through select classroom and field activities from Project WILD and Science and Civics, learn to identify and appreciate the key elements of habitat that sustain wildlife species. Through direct field observations (at the Hatchery site) and activity simulations, learn how variations in habitat abundance, diversity, and quality influence wildlife populations. All you'll need to know to make a 'habit' of teaching others to explore wildlife habitats in their home communities.

April 28 - 8:30 am & 1:00 pm
An Introduction to Feathered Friends - Birds can serve as a great teaching tool since they can be found in just about any environment. This session investigates basic bird physiology, introduces the concept of field marks and guides participants into basic birding practices. The session will also discuss creating habitat for your local bird species. Bring your own binoculars and field guides (recommended: Birds of North America).

May 19 - 8:30 am & 1:00 pm
Stuff of Life - a 'short-course' on the distinctive qualities that make water the amazing 'life-support' substance that it is. This session will include some hands-on lessons from Aquatic Project WILD that can be replicated in either the classroom or an outdoor setting. It will also include some macro-invertebrate sampling techniques (involving real 'critters' from the Hackettstown Hatchery site) and some revealing water runoff/discharge activities from Project WILD's Secondary Curriculum Guide, Science and Civics.

May 19 - 8:30 am & 1:00 pm
Soil 101: Not Just Another 4-Letter Word - Learn about the often overlooked but essential part of our environment- soils. This under appreciated natural resource provides us clothing, food, shelter and structural support, yet is not given much thought until something is "wrong." A soils unit may be used on its own or as enrichment to language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and visual arts. The interdisciplinary activities provide a balance of in-class and outdoor learning experiences. This workshop will provide an overview concerning the fundamental concepts of soil science, learning what soil is, who uses it and what lives in it.

June 2 - 8:30 am & 1:00 pm
Soil 201: Managing and Conserving the Soils - Basic soil science concepts from Soils 101 are applied by investigating how human activity tends to degrade or reduce the quality of soils. This session will provide an overview concerning the social and economic impact of soil importance by learning how it's used and where it's going. Participants will investigate the proper use of soil as a valuable natural resource and will match several facts about soil degradation to related environmental problems.

June 2 - 8:30 am & 1:00 pm
Endangered & Threatened Species - When most people think about endangered species their minds soar to exotic places and images of pandas, tigers, and elephants come to mind. But right here in New Jersey, there are bobcats, bald eagles, Pine Barrens tree frogs, and other wildlife species on the edge of extinction. In fact, NJ is home to more than 70 endangered or threatened wildlife species and are great tools to teach concepts such as biodiversity, habitats, food webs, and environmental pollution. Join us to learn about how to use NJ's rare wildlife and their habitats to connect students to their local environment.

June 9 - 8:30 am & 1:00 pm
All About Herps - Learn how to document the diversity of New Jersey's snakes, lizards, turtles, toads, frogs and salamanders. These animals capture the interest of children and are relatively easy to find in the field. Concepts covered include habitats such as ponds, rivers, and vernal pools, food webs, and proper survey techniques for students.